Apparatus and Methods for Providing Route-Based Advertising and Vendor-Reported Business Information over a Network

ABSTRACT

A method of providing advertising to a user over a network includes receiving from the user a query identifying a contemplated route, accessing a computer database of self-reported business information from vendors, each vendor having an identified geographic location, wherein the self-reported business information has been previously supplied by the vendors through a vendor interface and stored in the database, providing to the user, over the network, information from the database concerning the business information of a set of vendors extracted from the database on the basis of geographic proximity to the route identified by the user, providing to the user, over the network in response to the query, advertising from the set of vendors based, at least in part, on data retrieved from the database, and pricing the advertising based, at least in part, on distance of each vendor&#39;s geographic location from the contemplated route.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/761,202 filed Jun. 11, 2007, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/812,464 filed Jun. 9, 2006, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for providingroute-based advertising and vendor-reported business information to auser over a network.

BACKGROUND ART

With the irregular rise and fall of the fuel prices in the market today,a vehicle operator is faced with uncertainty of purchasing power at thefuel pump. This has created a demand for up-to-date information aboutfuel stations' prices. Moreover, wireless technology is creating anenvironment where an operator may obtain information instantaneously.

Currently there are several businesses that maintain a database of fuelstations and prices. The operator may obtain this information based on aspecific location, zip code, street intersection, combination oflongitude and latitude, City, State, County, and Country. The methodwhich these models employ displays information that may be outdated and,therefore, inaccurate. There are two primary methods of updating thedatabase of fuel prices:

-   -   1. Spotter networks: This business model utilizes a network of        people (spotters) that relay the fuel price information directly        to the database via the Internet sites.    -   2. OPIS (Oil Price Information Service) networks: Internet sites        obtain fuel price information based on credit card data, feeds        from participating retail chains, and other survey methods        collected by OPIS database.

These methods do not address the current needs of the daily fluctuatingfuel price market. Spotter networks provide prices that may be severaldays old and may be susceptible to bias and input error by the personreporting the fuel prices. OPIS based Internet sites gather informationassuming that 80% of the fuel purchased is regular unleaded gasoline,thus providing an approximate value of regular unleaded gasoline.Moreover, other grades or types of fuel may often be ignored.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of the invention includes a method of providingadvertising to a user over a network. The method includes receiving fromthe user a query identifying a contemplated route and accessing acomputer database of self-reported business information from vendors,each vendor having an identified geographic location, wherein theself-reported business information has been previously supplied by thevendors through a vendor interface and stored in the database. Themethod also includes providing to the user, over the network,information from the database concerning the business information of aset of vendors extracted from the database on the basis of geographicproximity to the route identified by the user, providing to the user,over the network in response to the query, advertising from the set ofvendors based, at least in part, on data retrieved from the database,and pricing the advertising based, at least in part, on distance of eachvendor's geographic location from the contemplated route.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a computer system forproviding information about vendors to a user. The computer systemincludes a digital storage medium in which is stored a computer databaseof self-reported business information supplied by the vendors through avendor interface, each vendor having an identified geographic locationthat is stored in the database, and the computer system is runningprocesses that include receiving from the user a query identifying acontemplated route, accessing the computer database, providing to theuser, over the network, information from the database concerning thebusiness information of a set of vendors extracted from the database onthe basis of geographic proximity to the route identified by the user,providing to the user, over the network in response to the query,advertising from the set of vendors based, at least in part, on dataretrieved from the database, and pricing the advertising based, at leastin part, on distance of each vendor's geographic location from thecontemplated route.

In related embodiments, the network may include the internet, a wirelesstelephone network, a telephone network and/or a GPS network. Thebusiness information may include vehicular fuel prices. The informationprovided to the user may be prioritized on the basis of ratings providedby users. The query may further identifies product information and theprovided information may be further extracted from the database on thebasis of the product information identified by the user. The advertisingprovided to the user may be further based on advertising budgetssupplied by the set of vendors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of embodiments of the invention will be morereadily understood by reference to the following detailed description,taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing route-based advertising andvendor-reported business information to a user over a network accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a mechanism for a business to self report businessinformation to a database according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which abusiness may engage in posting and advertising along a user-identifiedroute;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser obtains suggested refueling points along a user-identified route;

FIG. 5 provides a map of pages accessible from a web site in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may personalize the web pages;

FIG. 7 illustrates a business experience in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which acompany may utilize a mechanism that measures cost efficiency;

FIG. 9 illustrates a mechanism used to calculate savings in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a process that allows a user or a company to viewbusiness information along an identified route in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a representation of a web page providing a user interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a representation of a web page that provides the routeresulting from the user's starting and destination information as shownin FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a representation of a web page designed to allow businessesto maintain a secured webspace and that allows management of businessinformation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a typical webpage designed to assist a business inposting and advertising along a specified route as described in FIG. 3in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a representation of a web page designed to allow businessesto provide, input, and modify business information in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates links such as shown and described in FIG. 13 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which abusiness may personalize the web pages that are viewed by users on thewebsite;

FIG. 18 is a representation of a web page designed to allow users toview business information about a business in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a representation of a web page designed to allow the user tostore previously viewed routes and personalize a webpage as describedand shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may view a previously specified commute route;

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may view a previously specified vacation route;

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may view a previously specified commute route;

FIG. 23 displays an embodiment of the present invention where the userand/or company may employ a savings tool that displays the estimatedmonetary savings along a specified route as described and shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 24 is a representation of a web page by which the user may provideinformation pertinent to the processes described and shown in FIG. 4 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a representation of a web page providing an interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a representation of a web page providing an interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a representation of a web page that may be downloaded fromthe server by the company's device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 28 is a representation of a web page that may be downloaded fromthe server by the company's device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a web page by which a user registers for an accountthrough the website in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 30 displays an embodiment of the present invention where the userand/or company may employ a tool that displays the business informationalong a specified route;

FIG. 31 is a representation of a web page providing an interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 displays an embodiment of the present invention where thebusiness may update the information about the products and/or servicesoffered by using a template;

FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to post information regarding special pricing on offeredproducts and/or services;

FIG. 34 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to specify the price of a product and/or service offered;

FIG. 35 represents an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to add other product and/or services being offered;

FIG. 36 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to offer coupons with a discount on a specified product and/orservice;

FIG. 37 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to view, add, and modify business information that may beviewed by employees;

FIG. 38 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that allows aregistered user to view the weather forecast related to a specifiedroute;

FIG. 39 displays an embodiment of the present invention where a user maytrack and maintain a log of expenses and income;

FIG. 40 displays an embodiment of the present invention where a user maycreate user specific lists that may be relayed to a network enableddevice;

FIG. 41 displays an embodiment of the present invention where the usermay employ a savings tool that displays the estimated monetary savingsalong a specified route;

FIG. 42 displays an embodiment of the present invention where a user maycreate and save a list of contacts;

FIG. 43 displays an embodiment of the present invention in which a usermay store business information within multiple categories;

FIG. 44 displays an embodiment of the present invention where thebusiness may update the information contained within its webspace;

FIG. 45 displays an embodiment of the present invention where thebusiness may customize their webspace;

FIG. 46 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows auser to view multiple types of businesses along their contemplatedroute; and

FIG. 47 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to bid for a display of advertisements via the network enableddevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Definitions. As used in this description and the accompanying claims,the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless thecontext otherwise requires:

“selecting on the basis of proximity of geographic location to a route”:includes using geographic parameters associated with one or moreintermediate portions of the route and with the geographic location toassess physical distance between the location and each intermediateportion as part of the section process.

“network enabled device” is a device such as a personal computer, officecomputer, PDA, telephone, GPS enabled mobile device, mobile phone, orweb enabled cell phone, that is coupled to a communication network. Thenetwork may, for example, include a telephone network, mobile network,such as a GPS or wireless telephone network, an internet protocol (IP)network or any combination of these types of networks.

“business” refers to a vehicular fuel dealer, or any business having atleast one point of sale at a geographic location.

“business information” refers to information pertinent to a business,including, for example, services offered by the business and prices ofitems such as vehicular fuel offered for sale.

“company” refers to an organization that utilizes an embodiment of thepresent invention for the purpose of planning refueling stops for afleet of vehicles, and wherein a group of users affiliated with theorganization may obtain location information for such refueling stopsover a network.

“community” refers to two or more users that utilize an embodiment ofthe present invention for the purpose of sharing and rating businessinformation.

Embodiments of the present invention allow a user or a community ofusers to obtain business or vendor information, such as productinformation and/or cost, fuel prices, current sales/discounts orcoupons, hours of operation, address, telephone number, etc. from avariety of businesses along their contemplated route. Embodiments alsoallow a user or community to search across multiple business categories.Other services list this information based on a radius around anaddress, zip code, or the endpoint of a route. Embodiments of thepresent invention display the desired information at specified distancesfrom the contemplated route. Embodiments allow a driver or community ofdrivers to increase efficiency by not having to deviate too far fromtheir planned route.

Embodiments of the present invention expand the business listing beyondthe radius, allowing the user or community to view a greater number ofbusinesses, if desired. The user or community also has the ability topost ratings and feedback about particular businesses. The businesseswith higher ratings may be rewarded by gaining listing priority alongthe route. A user may also conduct a product-based query that locatesparticular products along the contemplated route.

Many small, local businesses lack the resources or the platform to gettheir business noticed by consumers. While they may maintain their ownwebsite, they are not generating enough traffic to propel theirbusiness. Embodiments of the present invention allow those businesses tocreate a web space if they do not already have one as well as usinghighly targeted route-based advertisements to gain exposure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. A server 102is accessed by a user 1001, through the use of network enabled device100 over a network, which may include the internet 101. In oneembodiment the server 102 serves web pages over the World Wide Web. Uponreceiving a suitable request for desired information, the web server102, queries a database 103, and extracts the requested information. Theextracted information is then offered back to the device 100 over thenetwork, for example, as a displayable web page, via the server 102, andis displayed on the network enabled device. The information may be anybusiness information, such as product information and/or cost (e.g.,fuel grade and price), current sales or discounts offered, hours ofoperation, address, telephone number, etc.

As an alternative to using an IP network, or in addition to using an IPnetwork, the embodiment may employ a wired or wireless telephonenetwork. In this context, the user may query the database through atelephone 106 over, for example, the public switched telephone network(PSTN) 105. The telephone system server 104 on receipt of a suitablerequest over the PSTN, containing relevant route information from theuser 1001, queries the database 103 and extracts the requestedinformation. The resulting information is relayed to the user over thePSTN to the phone 105. This service allows the user to accessinformation in the database while en route and without access to theInternet.

FIG. 11 is a representation of a web page providing a user interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. By accessingthis interface with a network enabled device, the user may indicate thestarting position of the route and the destination address. In addition,a user may register via this interface to create an account so that theuser may store a variety of preferences. Once registered, a user canlogin to the interface by entering a unique username and password.Relevant market data is also displayed and updated in a ticker styleformat at the bottom of the interface. Navigational links provideshortcuts to server webpages over the world wide web.

In response to information entered by the user as described above inconnection with FIG. 11, a new web page will be downloaded from theserver by the user's device as illustrated in FIG. 12. This web pageprovides the route resulting from the user's starting and destinationinformation in FIG. 11. The driving directions along with a pictorialdiagram of the desired route are displayed. Also provided on this webpage are locations of dealers or vendors (e.g., fuel stations) withrequested products (e.g., vehicular fuel) along the route. In oneembodiment, the display is of locations of vendors within apre-determined distance from the route having the best price of theproduct and/or service (e.g., most economical fuel prices). Optionallyin this embodiment, a savings tool displays the estimated monetarysavings by using the suggested vendor locations along the specifiedroute. In another embodiment, the display may be of locations of vendorsselected on a desired basis, such as, for example, brand. In furtherrelated embodiments, product prices for each location along the routeare displayed. In another related embodiment, the product prices aredisplayable by, for example, using a mouse to move a graphical selectionicon in the vicinity of the relevant location. In a further relatedembodiment, the user may obtain other business information pertaining tothe dealer by selecting a convenient navigational link.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which isimplemented a mechanism for a business to self report businessinformation to a database. The business information may be entered by abusiness 200, for example, using one of two methods outlined in FIG. 2.Using a telephone 210, a business may modify business information storedin the database. The business is prompted in process 211 to register orprovide an account number. To register in process 212 a businessprovides contact information and creates a password, in accordance withprocess 213. The business will then identify services related to itsoperations in process 214. Following a successful authentication inprocess 215, the business may update business information via process216. Finally, a business either confirms and posts the information tothe database 230, chooses to modify the information, or requests help inprocess 217, through the helpline process 218.

Business information may also be updated via the website 220. Using thewebsite 220, a business 200 may modify business information. A business,200, is prompted in process 221 to register or provide an accountnumber. Using the registration process 222, a business provides contactinformation and creates a password 223. Following a successfulauthentication in process 224, the business may provide or updatebusiness information through process 225. Finally, a business eitherconfirms and posts the information to the database 230, modifies theinformation, or requests help in process 226, via the helpline process227.

FIG. 15 is a representation of a web page in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention designed to allow businesses toprovide, input, and modify business information (for example, productprices). In one embodiment, the geographic location and business namemay be provided and/or modified by the business upon successful login.Once the business name and location are confirmed, the business mayinput or modify product prices. Optionally in this embodiment a businessmay input and /or modify any business information (for example, a fueldealer may indicate the availability of a Convenience Store; and abusiness may identify product offerings, such as Auto Parts). In afurther related embodiment, the business may update the computerdatabase of self-reported business information by selecting a convenientnavigational link.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which abusiness may engage in posting and advertising along a user-identifiedroute. Advertisements are displayed on a network enabled device by abusiness targeting a user 1001 who has specified a route in a mannerdescribed herein. Businesses may post an advertisement via telephone orthe website. A business 300 using a telephone 301 is prompted in process303 to register or provide an account number. To register, a businessprovides account information and creates a password using process 304. Abusiness using the web site 302 is prompted in process 303 to registeror provide an account number. To register, a business provides accountinformation and creates a password in process 304. Following asuccessful authentication as identified in process 305 the business isprompted in process 306 to update a current advertisement or create anew advertisement. To create a new advertisement, a business enters thebusiness information to be advertised in process 307. The business thenselects a budget and/or distance from a user identified route 308.Finally, a business is queried in process 311 to either confirm and postthe information to the database 330, modify the information in process309, or request help via helpline by using process 312. To modify anadvertisement, a business enters the updated business information inprocess 309. The business may modify the budget and/or distance from auser identified route 310. Finally, a business either confirms and poststhe business information to the database 330, modifies the businessinformation, or request help in process 311, via the helpline process312.

FIG. 14 illustrates a typical webpage designed to assist a business inposting and advertising along a specified route described in FIG. 3. Inone embodiment, a business name and geographic location may be enteredor updated. In a related embodiment, an existing template containingbusiness information may be modified. In another embodiment, a businessmay input a limited amount of text to be included in the advertisement.Optionally in this embodiment, distance from a specified route and/orprice per advertisement determines the advertising budget. The remainingbudget is displayed for the business to monitor. In a further relatedembodiment, the business may then post the advertisement as specified inFIG. 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser obtains suggested refueling points along a user-identified route.In this embodiment, a user 400 accesses a web page in process 401 bywhich the user obtains information about scheduled fuel stops along auser-identified route. The user is queried via process 402 as to whichroute to reference. The user may select a previously saved route bygoing through process 403 or create a new route in process 404. The userwill then input or select a vehicle type in process 405, or otherwisepermit or provide estimation in process 406 of fuel efficiency of thevehicle and, in process 407, of fuel tank capacity. Finally, the usermay modify refueling preferences in process 408. In process 430, theseparameters are used in accessing a database of fuel vendors to determinesuggested fueling locations, which are provided via a web page over theInternet to the user's device for display.

FIG. 24 is a representation of a web page in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention by which the user may provideinformation pertinent to the processes described in FIG. 4. In thisembodiment, the user may specify the vehicle or vehicles to travel theuser specified route. In a related embodiment, vehicle information, forexample fuel efficiency and/or tank volume may be specified. User maychoose a stored route or a new specified route to display fueling stopsas described in FIG. 4. Navigational links provide shortcuts to serverWebPages and advertisements over the world wide web.

FIG. 5 provides a map of pages accessible from a web site in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The homepage 500 serves asthe starting point. The user may choose to view information aboutprovided services on page 501, access useful links on page 502, observemarket data and trends on page 503, register to be a member on page 504,access business information, such as fuel prices, for given search onpage 505, or view current industry news headlines on page 506.

FIG. 29 illustrates a web page in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention by which a user registers for an account through thewebsite as discussed in process 504 in FIG. 5. In the presentembodiment, a user enters contact information such as name, address,mobile phone number, and email address. Optionally in this embodiment,the user may also create a unique username and password or have oneautomatically generated. The user also retains the option to enter inbirthday and gender information. In this embodiment, upon agreeing tothe terms of service, the user becomes a registered member.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may personalize the web pages. From the homepage 600 a user will beprompted to enter user name and password to login to the Stored Routeswebsite 601. At this point, the user may identify and store routes. Forexample, three types of routes may be used, Commute 602, Weekend 603,and Vacation 604. The user may also identify, store, and title as manyother routes as desired under Other 605. Once a route is selected, usermay access a number of tools. The Gusculator 606 is a tool that displaysand stores savings achieved using this embodiment. Plan My Fillups 607recommends stations along a user identified route based on fuelefficiency. Rate a Station allows user to rate a business. A user mayalso modify mobile preferences in process 610, via the website. Thiswill allow the user to change how mobile alerts and/or routes arereceived. A customizable blog or an online journal 620 may be accessedby a user. Users may personalize news headlines on page 630.

FIG. 19 is a representation of a web page in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention designed to allow the user to storepreviously viewed routes and personalizes a webpage as described in FIG.6. In the present embodiment, the process is initiated by the userentering a starting point and destination address. The user may chooseto view the specified route and/or store it to the saved routes dropdown menu. In a related embodiment, the user is then prompted toidentify the saved route. Optionally in this embodiment, in subsequentsessions the user may select a stored route by name or create a customroute by using the starting point and the destination drop down menus.Once a route is specified, the user is directed to Server Pages on theWorld Wide Web.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may view a previously specified commute route. In a relatedembodiment similar to FIG. 12, this webpage displays a pictorial diagramof the route. In a subsequent embodiment, the most economical fuelprices within a pre-determined distance from the route are displayed inaddition to the fuel station's rating. In another related embodiment,the user may obtain other business information by selecting a convenientnavigational link. A related embodiment displays a savings tool thatestimates monetary savings by using the suggested fueling points alongthe specified route. In addition to these features, the webpage offersother relevant information, for example, weather, directions, andtraffic conditions. A user may choose additional features displayed inthe navigation bar, for example “blog.” Market data is also displayedand updated in a ticker style format at the bottom of the interface.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may view a previously specified vacation route. In a relatedembodiment, similar to FIG. 20, this webpage displays a pictorialdiagram of the route. The most economical fuel prices within apre-determined distance from the route are displayed in addition to thefuel station's rating. Optionally in this embodiment, the user mayobtain other business information by selecting a convenient navigationallink. A related embodiment displays a savings tool that estimatesmonetary savings by using the suggested fueling points along thespecified route. In addition to these features, the webpage offers otherrelevant information, for example, weather, directions, and trafficconditions. A user may choose additional features displayed in thenavigation bar, for example “blog.” Market data is also displayed andupdated in a ticker style format at the bottom of the interface.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which auser may view a previously specified commute route. In a relatedembodiment similar to FIG. 20, this webpage displays a pictorial diagramof the route. In a subsequent embodiment, the most economical fuelprices within a pre-determined distance from the route are displayed inaddition to the fuel station's rating. In another related embodiment,the user may obtain other business information by selecting a convenientnavigational link. A related embodiment displays a savings tool thatestimates monetary savings by using the suggested fueling points alongthe specified route. In addition to these features, the webpage offersother relevant information, for example, weather, directions, andtraffic conditions. A user may choose additional features displayed inthe navigation bar, for example “blog.” Relevant market data is alsodisplayed and updated in a ticker style format at the bottom of theinterface. Navigational links provide shortcuts to server webpages overthe world wide web.

In this embodiment, FIG. 7, the business experience is illustrated. ABusiness 700 may manage the account and pricing information onlineand/or via telephone. The Station Profile page 701 allows the businessmanager and employees to update business information, such as fuelprices, observe work schedules, manage employee accounts, advertise, andpost messages. Using the AdRoute feature 702, the business manager mayselect an item, advertising budget, and post the advertisement to themain website or to a network enabled device. The Self Reporting process703 will allow the businesses to update their information over theInternet or telephone. The business manager may manage employeeaccounts, post messages, alter the work schedule, and update businesscontacts using the Manage Account webpage process 704. The businessmanager will also be able to modify the web station via process 705. Theresulting information may be viewed by the user on the website 706.

FIG. 13 is a representation of a web page in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention designed to allow businesses tomaintain a secured webspace that allows management of businessinformation (for example, employees' work schedule). Optionally in thisembodiment the business may choose to upload or modify picturesdisplayed on the business' webspace. The business may also view currentbusiness information and associated rating displayed on the website. Inanother embodiment, the business may navigate to additional portions ofthe website (for example, Manage Accounts and Customize Web Station) viaconvenient links. Relevant market data is also displayed and updated ina ticker style format at the bottom of the interface. Navigational linksprovide shortcuts to server webpages over the world wide web.

FIG. 16 illustrates the aforementioned links as described in FIG. 13. Inone embodiment of the present invention, a business may add, update, ordelete employees' access to the webspace described in FIG. 13.Optionally in this embodiment, a business may create, update, or deletethe employees' work schedule. In further related embodiments a businessmay store, update, or delete contact information (for example,distributors). In another related embodiment, the business may postmessages to a ticker style display which can be edited.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which abusiness may personalize the web pages that are viewed by users on thewebsite. In one embodiment, the business may add and/or updateinformation about the business in the webstation template. Also providedon this web page is a template that allows business to discuss the rangeof services and products. In a further embodiment, the business mayupload a picture to be viewed by users. Another embodiment allows thebusiness to monitor the business information, such as prices, beingviewed on the website. Moreover, the business may review the ratings andcomments regarding their operations. In a further embodiment, theweather specific to the business location is displayed.

FIG. 18 is a representation of a web page in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention designed to allow users to viewother business information about a business. In this embodiment, theuser may view a description about the business, detailed informationabout the products and services offered, operating hours, contactinformation, and pictures of the business. In another embodiment, theuser is able to view the location of the business on a map along withthe associated business information, such as fuel prices. Optionally inthis embodiment, a user may post a review for the business, rate thebusiness using a scoring system, and view other users' reviews. A usermay also observe the weather for the particular business.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention by which acompany may utilize a mechanism that measures cost efficiency. Thismechanism may be accessed via the homepage 800. The company is promptedin process 801 to register or provide an account number. To registerusing process 802 the company provides information and creates apassword. Following a successful authentication, the Company Space (webpage) 803 is displayed. The company may then access several tools.Company Route 804 allows the company to identify a route wherein a setof vendors and business information is displayed on the basis ofgeographic proximity to the route. For example, Gusculator 805 is a toolthat displays and stores savings achieved through using this embodiment.Gusculator allows a company to post the information to the ManagersSpace in process 806 which may be used to analyze data by company users,vehicles, timeline, or other predetermined categories.

FIG. 25 is a representation of a web page providing an interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. By accessingthis interface, with a network enabled device, the company may registervia this interface to create an account so that the company may store avariety of preferences. Once registered, a company may login to theinterface by entering a unique username and password. Relevant marketdata is also displayed and updated in a ticker style format at thebottom of the interface. Navigational links provide shortcuts to serverwebpages over the world wide web.

FIG. 26 is a representation of a web page providing an interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. By accessingthis interface, with a network enabled device, the company may indicatethe starting position of the route and the destination address. Relevantmarket data is also displayed and updated in a ticker style format atthe bottom of the interface. Navigational links provide shortcuts toserver webpages over the world wide web.

In response to information entered by the company as described above inconnection with FIG. 26, a new web page may be downloaded from theserver by the company's device as illustrated in FIG. 27. This web pageprovides the route resulting from the business' starting and destinationinformation in FIG. 26. The driving directions along with a pictorialdiagram of the desired route are displayed. Also provided on this webpage are locations of vendors (e.g., fuel stations) of a product (e.g.,vehicular fuel along a company specified route. In one embodiment, thedisplay is of locations of vendors within a pre-determined distance fromthe route having the best prices, e.g., most economical fuel prices.Optionally in this embodiment, a savings tool displays the estimatedmonetary savings by using the suggested business locations along thespecified route. In another embodiment, the display may be of locationsof vendors selected on a desired basis, such as, for example, brand. Infurther related embodiments, business information, such as fuel prices,for each location along the route are displayed. In another relatedembodiment, the business information is displayable by, for example,using a mouse to move a graphical selection icon in the vicinity of therelevant location. In a further related embodiment, the company mayobtain other business information by selecting a convenient navigationallink. Relevant market data is also displayed and updated in a tickerstyle format at the bottom of the interface. Navigational links provideshortcuts to server webpages over the world wide web.

In response to information entered by the company as described above inconnection with FIG. 26, a new web page will be downloaded from theserver by the company's device as illustrated in FIG. 28. In oneembodiment, this web page displays separate and/or combined savings bythe company (for example, name, branch, vehicle, and savings this week)as well as a display a cumulative savings to date through usingembodiment described in FIG. 8. In another related embodiment, a toolallows company to sort by predetermined date (for example, year,quarter, and week), compare by a category (for example, employee,branch, vehicles), and plot savings in a graphical type of display. In afurther related embodiment, company may want to export the informationto an ODBC compliant format (for example, Excel) or print the reportcontaining a predetermined set of data points. Relevant market data isalso displayed and updated in a ticker style format at the bottom of theinterface. Navigational links provide shortcuts to server webpages overthe world wide web.

FIG. 9 illustrates a mechanism used to calculate savings. A user 900 mayemploy the Gusculator tool 901 that tracks the user's savings for thespecified route and/or cumulatively over time. From this webpage theuser is prompted to login via process 902 or register using process 903.After successful authentication, the user may choose to calculatesavings along a user specified route in process 904 or previously storedroutes via process 905. The database may display a range of product orservice information, such as the lowest and highest prices, along aroute 906. The user may input or select information related to theproduct or service, such as fuel tank volume, in process 907, whichallows the database to calculate savings. The user may view the resultsin process 908 along the route and may also email the results usingprocess 909.

FIG. 23 displays an embodiment of the present invention where the userand/or company may employ a savings tool that displays the estimatedmonetary savings along a specified route as described in FIG. 9. Thetool automatically retrieves the product or service information, such asthe highest and lowest fuel prices, from the computer database of selfreported business information based on the user and/or company specifiedroute. Savings are calculated based on the information related to theproduct or service, such as fuel tank volume, entered by the user and/orcompany on the website or obtained from previously stored information.In a related embodiment, a user and/or company may select previouslystored routes on which to view cost savings (for example commute,vacation, and weekend). In one embodiment, the display is of locationsof businesses within a pre-determined distance from the route having forexample, the best prices, such as the most economical fuel prices.Relevant market data may be also displayed and updated in anotherembodiment viewed in a ticker style format at the bottom of the website.In a further related embodiment, the user and/or company may obtainother business information by selecting a convenient navigational link.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process that allows a user or a company to viewbusiness information, such as fuel prices, and other businessinformation along an identified route or in a given area by placing acursor on a business that is displayed on a map. The process begins withthe business 1010 logging into Self Reporting (see FIG. 2) via process1011 and updating the business information, such as prices, and otherrelevant information in process 1012. The user 1013 using a networkenabled device 1014 may query the database 1015, by dragging the cursorover the desired business on the displayed map. Performing this actionwill display an information bubble 1030 which displays the businessinformation of the business.

FIG. 30 displays an embodiment of the present invention where the userand/or company may employ a tool that displays the business information,such as prices, along a specified route. The tool automaticallyretrieves the information from the computer database of self reportedbusiness information based on the specified route. In one embodiment,the business information, such as fuel prices, are displayable by, forexample, using a mouse to move a graphical selection icon in thevicinity of the relevant location. In another embodiment, other businessinformation, such as the name of the business, rating, and navigationallink to more information about business is displayed. By selecting therating navigational link, the user and/or company may observe the userreviews about the business. In a related embodiment a user and/orcompany may view additional business information and/or productinformation or navigate to the business' webspace.

FIG. 31 is a representation of a web page providing an interface inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A registereduser will have the ability to retrieve stored routes and directions. Ina related embodiment, the stored route (Commute, Vacation, Weekend, etc)may be populated with icons representing businesses within a userspecified distance from the plotted route. In yet another embodiment, auser may view traffic conditions related to their stored route. Thisembodiment may update in accordance to the route being displayed. Inanother embodiment, by selecting a desired business category (e.g.groceries, Fuel Stations), a user may view the location of the requestedbusinesses in a specified distance from the route.

FIG. 32 displays an embodiment of the present invention where thebusiness may update the information about the products and servicesoffered by using a template. The resulting information may be viewed bythe user on the website. In a related embodiment the business may uploadand/or update the business webspace with photos viewable to users on thewebsite. In another embodiment, a business may create, update, or deletethe employees' work schedules.

FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to post information regarding special pricing on offeredproducts or services. A business may directly enter the price of aproduct or service or can add cost incrementally. In another embodimentthe business may view and offer feedback to ratings posted by a user orcommunity of users about the business.

FIG. 34 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to specify the price of a product or service offered. Abusiness may directly enter the price or can add cost incrementally. Abusiness may either confirm or reset the changes made to the price.

FIG. 35 represents an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to add other product and/or services being offered in additionto the embodiment described in FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to offer coupons with a discount on a specified product and/orservice.

FIG. 37 displays yet another embodiment of the present invention thatallows a business to view, add, and modify business information, such ascontact information, that may be viewed by employees.

FIG. 38 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that allows aregistered user to view the weather forecast related to a specifiedroute. In a related embodiment, the user may view the weather forecastat any given point along the specified route. In another embodiment auser may search for goods and/or services along the route. The user mayhave the option to update the specified route with the location ofbusinesses offering the queried products and/or services.

FIG. 39 displays an embodiment of the present invention where a user maytrack and maintain a log of expenses and income. The user may specifybudgets related to specific routes.

FIG. 40 displays an embodiment of the present invention where a user maycreate grocery lists, shopping lists, reminders, memos, and userspecific lists that may be relayed to a network enabled device.

FIG. 41 displays an embodiment of the present invention where the usermay employ a savings tool that displays the estimated monetary savingsalong a specified route. The tool automatically retrieves information,such as the highest and lowest fuel prices, from the computer databaseof self reported business information based on the user's specifiedroute. Savings are calculated based on the information related to theproduct or service, such as fuel tank volume, entered by the user on thewebsite or obtained from previously stored information. In a relatedembodiment, a user and/or company may select previously stored routes onwhich to view cost savings (for example commute, vacation, and weekend).In one embodiment, the display is of locations of businesses within apre-determined distance from the route having for example, the bestprices, such as the most economical fuel prices.

FIG. 42 displays an embodiment of the present invention where a user maycreate and save a list of contacts. The listing may contain links to theuser's webspace, email address, contact information, profiles, etc.

FIG. 43 displays an embodiment of the present invention in which a usermay store business information within multiple categories (e.g. FuelStations, Grocery Stores, Clothing, ATMs, etc.). When selecting acategory the user can view a list of the businesses in that category aswell as their locations along the specified route. The user can modifythe list of businesses or allow the database to display the mostrelevant business information. In yet another embodiment the user canset the parameters to allow businesses in the specified proximity to theroute, send information (special deals, coupons, and incentives)directly to user's network enabled device.

FIG. 44 displays an embodiment of the present invention where thebusiness may update the information contained within its webspace. Thebusiness may generate an introductory statement that is displayed tousers. In a related embodiment, the business may customize a list ofspecial offers catered to the users in proximity to their location.These special offers, such as sales prices or coupons, may be displayedon their webspace and may be also sent to the user via the networkenabled device.

FIG. 45 displays an embodiment of the present invention where thebusiness may customize their webspace. In addition, a business mayupload a photo or video that may be viewed by employees or users.

FIG. 46 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows auser to view multiple types of businesses along their contemplatedroute. The user may specify the types of business and set the maximumdistance they are willing to travel from the contemplated route. In arelated embodiment, the user may view a stored list of preferredbusinesses and may save new businesses to those lists. The businessesalong the route may be updated when a new category is selected.

FIG. 47 displays an embodiment of the present invention that allows abusiness to bid for a display of advertisements via the network enableddevice to users traveling a predetermined route and/or according to theuser's specified interests. The business may input the products and/orservice being advertised as well as other associated information, suchas price. The business may add text to accompany the advertisement. In arelated embodiment, the business may set its advertising budget or addto the remaining budget. Prices for advertisement may depend on thedistance from a contemplated route.

1. A method of providing advertising to a user over a network, themethod comprising: receiving from the user a query identifying acontemplated route; accessing a computer database of self-reportedbusiness information from vendors, each vendor having an identifiedgeographic location, wherein the self-reported business information hasbeen previously supplied by the vendors through a vendor interface andstored in the database; and providing to the user, over the network,information from the database concerning the business information of aset of vendors extracted from the database on the basis of geographicproximity to the route identified by the user; providing to the user,over the network in response to the query, advertising from the set ofvendors based, at least in part, on data retrieved from the database;and pricing the advertising based, at least in part, on distance of eachvendor's geographic location from the contemplated route.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the network includes the internet, awireless telephone network, a telephone network, a GPS network, or anycombination thereof.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein thebusiness information includes vehicular fuel prices.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the information provided to the user isprioritized on the basis of ratings provided by users.
 5. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the query further identifies productinformation and the provided information is further extracted from thedatabase on the basis of the product information identified by the user.6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the advertising provided tothe user is further based on advertising budgets supplied by the set ofvendors.
 7. A computer system for providing information about vendors toa user, the computer system comprising: a digital storage medium inwhich is stored a computer database of self-reported businessinformation supplied by the vendors through a vendor interface, eachvendor having an identified geographic location that is stored in thedatabase; and wherein the computer system is running processescomprising: receiving from the user a query identifying a contemplatedroute; accessing the computer database; providing to the user, over thenetwork, information from the database concerning the businessinformation of a set of vendors extracted from the database on the basisof geographic proximity to the route identified by the user; providingto the user, over the network in response to the query, advertising fromthe set of vendors based, at least in part, on data retrieved from thedatabase; and pricing the advertising based, at least in part, ondistance of each vendor's geographic location from the contemplatedroute.
 8. A computer system according to claim 7, wherein theself-reported business information includes vehicular fuel prices.
 9. Acomputer system according to claim 7, wherein the information providedto the user is prioritized on the basis of ratings provided by users.10. A computer system according to claim 7, wherein the query receivedby the user further identifies product information, and the providedinformation is further extracted from the database on the basis of theproduct information identified by the user.
 11. A computer systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the advertising provided to the user isfurther based on advertising budgets supplied by the set of vendors.